Phoenix Suns hire play-by-play announcer Steve Albert

Tom Leander will stay on as a studio host for pregame, halftime and postgame shows

by Paul Coro - Jul. 27, 2012 01:40 PMThe Republic | azcentral.com

Steve Albert didn't appear out of nowhere and his past is far from unknown but he feels a bit like Roy Hobbs from "The Natural" in his NBA return as the new Suns television play-by-play announcer.

"I've been away from the game but that doesn't mean I stopped loving it," Albert said.

Albert signed a five-year contract with the Suns after ending a 24-year run of calling Showtime boxing, including Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield II. He was last a NBA voice for New Orleans in 2005 but also did it for Golden State for five years and New Jersey for 13 years. His NBA roots go back to his teens as a New York Knicks ballboy who was beside Willis Reed for his 1970 NBA Finals comeback.

Albert also has been the New York voice of the Mets, Jets and Islanders, as well as the New Jersey Devils. His older brother Marv calls NBA games for TNT. Steve is the youngest of the three Albert brothers. Al is the middle child.

Albert said viewers can expect preparation, enthusiasm, effort and humor from him.

"The goal is to be informative and entertaining," Albert said. "Above it all, I try to be honest. I have respect for the viewers. Fans are smart. You just can't fool people and you shouldn't try."

Tom Leander had been the Suns' TV voice for nine years and will continue his 20-year Suns broadcasting tenure as the studio host.

Analyst Eddie Johnson returns for most games with a plan to use Mercury/Suns Vice President Ann Meyers-Drysdale on others.

Albert nearly had given up on his long-held wish to return to the NBA before pursuing the Suns jobs this summer.

"It's really like a dream job, not only announcing for the Suns and being back in the NBA but to be moving to one of the greatest locales on Earth," Albert said. "It was just time for a change and I really wanted to get back into the NBA, if possible, but it's tough. There are only 30 TV jobs. I really feel honored and privileged to be in the league and with the Suns."

The sense of humor Albert mentions bringing to broadcasts comes through in conversation with him, whether it is talking about being a Knicks ballboy until last season or why he left calling fights five years after being inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

"I was tired of bringing blood-stained shirts into my cleaners after a show," Albert said. "And that was from me cutting myself shaving. It's a savage, brutal sport and those were just the production meetings."

Albert said the exchange of blow-by-blow for play-by-play has him ready for anything. He is a fresh voice for a fresh look to the team, which will have mostly new players in a transition period of low expectations. They would have a hard time approaching the 17-win Nets and 18-win Hornets teams he announced.

"The fans aren't unrealistic," Albert said. "They understand when you're in a rebuilding phase, like you've got with the Suns. You at least want the team to be competitive and entertaining. In the NBA, one or two players can make a huge impact and turn things around."

Albert said he met his predecessor, Leander, as a Hornets announcer and remembers him as being one of the nicest men in the business. The Suns sought more of a nationally recognized name for the job and went to an older veteran who has a coy response about inquiries on his age.

"I still have the passion and desire to do play-by-play in the NBA," Albert said. "I'll show up every night prepared. I work hard. I give an honest effort each and every game. If you're a youthful spirit and fortunate enough to have good genes and a healthy lifestyle, then age really is just a number. Look at my older brother, Marv, who is still doing games at TNT and he's almost 40!"